Should You Consider a Reverse Mortgage

Reverse mortgages are mortgages where the lender pays the borrower instead of the other way around. In the event of reverse mortgages, seniors need only be 62 years or older with equity in their home.

There are no requirements like credit score or income or anything else. Basically seniors with equity in their home and over the age of 62 can qualify.

Reverse mortgages require you to get counseling from a 3rd party advisor on whether or not a reverse mortgage is right for you. This mandated counseling is to specifically prevent seniors from being taken advantage of.

One of the main questions is what these funds from a reverse mortgage can be used for. Reverse mortgages funds can be used for anything including paying off an existing mortgage, traveling, home improvements, or simply enhancing the standard of living.

There are several websites that discuss reverse mortgages and provide details for seniors. Getting started with a reverse mortgage is usually done with a competent loan officer that can give you details, tell you how much you can qualify for and provide some insight into whether or not a reverse mortgage is right for you.

After this initial conversation with a reverse mortgage broker or loan officer, you will then need to proceed with either the paperwork or the required counseling with a 3rd party. Your loan officer will provide you with a list of counselors you can communicate with to discuss the reverse mortgage, your financial situation and alternatives.

This is the basic place to get started. You can find reverse mortgage lenders by searching on the internet or contacting local mortgage brokers in your area.

Reverse mortgages aren't for everybody, but they can be used successfully to assist seniors who may be living paycheck to paycheck.

Many seniors choose to use this reverse mortgage to pay off an existing mortgage. You should inquire as to whether or not you'll be able to do this or to use the mortgage to purchase a new home with a single transaction.

The great part about a reverse mortgage is that it can be a tool to aid in retirement not only for seniors having a difficult time with their finances, but also for seniors who are looking to take that trip they've always wanted to take or visit the grandkids more often.

Some seniors use this reverse mortgage to increase the equity in the home through home improvements as well which can put them in a better situation to refinance the home if they'll be leaving it to their heirs or an estate.